UFC Fight Night 75 Update/Breakdown

UFC Fight Night 75 Update

Breakdown

 

The Bantamweight fight between Norifumi Yamamoto and Matt Hobar has been cancelled due to injuries to both fighters, according to mmajunkie.com  Moving to the Main Card, as a result, is Diego Brandao and Katsunori Kikuno in the Featherweight Division.

The 28 year old, Brandao scored a first round TKO win over Jim Hettes at UFC on Fox 15 (4/18/15) by Dr. Stoppage (5:00) in his last fight. The TUF 14 winner is looking to stay in the winner’s circle. Prior to the April win, he dropped 2 straight by 1^st round KO/TKO to Connor McGregor (7/19/15) and Dustin Poirier (12/28/13).

Katsunori Kikuno’s last win was on a card headlined by Roy Nelson. Last Sept. he submitted Sam Sicilia by RNC 1:38 of the second round. The 33 year old, holds 11 KO wins in his career, combined with Brandao’s 10 KO’s, the fists are sure to be flying Sat. night. Kikuno is coming off a first round KO loss to Edimilson Souza (3/21/15).

Breaking Down: UFC Fight NIght, Barnett v Nelson

Breaking Down: UFC Fight Night, Barnett v Nelson

 

The Main Event pits Heavyweights Josh Barnett and Roy Nelson at the Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan. Barnett comes into the fight 33-7 with 28 stoppages, 8 KO’s and 20 Submissions. He is coming off a loss in his last fight that dates back to Dec 28^th, 2013. The "Warmaster" was the recipient of those infamous down elbows from Travis Browne. Barnett stopped at 1:00 of the first round by Browne. Prior to that, Barnett had earned two straight, first round stoppage wins in 2013: in Jan he submitted Nandor Guelmino by arm triangle (2:11) for Strikeforce and then in August TKO’d Frank Mir at UFC 164 (1:56).

Roy Nelson doesn’t win many fights by decision. He is 2-9 in fights that have gone the distance. What he does do often is knock people out. 13 KO’s so far in his 20-11 career. A few names on Big Country’s mandatory nap list include: Big Nog, Cro Cop and Dave Herman. He also has 5 wins by way of submission. Nelson is coming off a two fight skid. Last Sept he was KO’d by Mark Hunt (for only the 2nd time in his career) and dropped a UD to Allistair Overeem at UFC 185 03/14/2015. The 39 year-Old’s last win came at UFC Fight Night 39 (4/11/14) in The Main Event by KO over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at 3:37 of the first round.

Uriah Hall and Gegard Mousasi combine to bring 26 KO/TKO stoppages to the co-main event in the Middleweight Division. Hall comes into the fight with 4 wins in his last 5 fights. The one hiccup: a split decision loss to Rafael Natal at UFC 187. Last fight, he made quick work of Oluwale Bamgbose with a first round TKO at 2:32. "Primetime" has kept busy this year. This is the 31 year-old's 4^th fight of 2015.

Gegard Mousasi is a finisher. He has 19 KO’s and 12 Submissions in his 37 wins. At just 30 years old the "The Dreamcatcher" is riding a 2 fight win streak: UD over Costas Philippou at UFC Fight Night 66 (5/16/15) and a 1^st round TKO of Dan Henderson in Jan. Mousasi’s last 2 losses came by the middleweight division’s cream: Jacare (9/5/14) and Machida (2/15/14). Between those losses he was able to submit Mark Munoz by RNC (3:57, 1^st, 5/31/14).

Dropping down to the125lb class: Kyoji Horiguchi faces Chico Camus. Horiguchi is looking to rebound following, his 2^nd career loss, this time at the hands of Flyweight Champ, Demetrious Johnson, UFC 186 (4/25/15) when Mighty Mouse submitted him with only one second remaining in the 5 rounder. Prior to the loss Horiguchi was on a 9 fight win streak dating back to 2012 including 4 TKO’s and 1 Submission.

Chico Camus wins are well balanced. 7 are by way of decision the other 7= 4 KO’s and 3 Subs. He, like Horiguchi, is also fresh off a loss, his to Henry Cejudo in June at UFC 188 by UD. "King’s" last win was by SD over Brad Pickett last Nov.

In the Bantamweight Division, Takeya Mizukaki faces George Roop. Mizakaki at 20-9 is coming off back to back loses by stoppage: Nobody can forget how Dominick Cruz tore through him last Sept KO-ing the 31 year old at only 1:01 of the 1^st, and in April Aljamain Sterling submitted Mizukaki in the 3^rd round by arm triangle. Prior to the losses he was on a 5 fight win streak.

George Roop is 3-2 in his last 5 fights. At 6’1” he is tall for a 135. He has been a bit inactive lately: KO’d last July by Rob Font, last win was over Dustin Kimura (4/16/14).

Also in BW Division Yamamotto Norifumi takes on Matt Hobar. At 38 Norifumi is hardly the “Kid” his nickname suggests. He is 0-3- and 1 no contest in the UFC since 2011. His last win was way back at Dream 14 (5/29/10) over Federico Lopez.

Matt “The Crobar” Hobar at 9-3 has struggled in the UFC. The 5’10” Bantamweight is 1-2, losing his last to Sergio Pettis by UD last Dec.

Also on the Main Card Mizuto Hirota and Teruto Ishihara will fight. Hirota's last fight in the UFC was a SD loss to Rodrigo Damm in June of 2013. Since then “Pugnus” is on a 3 fight win streak with back to back 2^nd round TKO’s. He has 10 in his career.

Teruto Ishihara is also coming off a second round TKO win, over Jung Hwan in June of 2014. 6 of his 7 wins have come by KO/TKO.

                                                         Update
The Bantamweight fight between Norifumi Yamamoto and Matt Hobar has been cancelled due to injuries to both fighters, according to mmajunkie.com  Moving to the Main Card, as a result, is Diego Brandao and Katsunori Kikuno in the Featherweight Division.

The 28 year old, Brandao scored a first round TKO win over Jim Hettes at UFC on Fox 15 (4/18/15) by Dr. Stoppage (5:00) in his last fight. The TUF 14 winner is looking to stay in the winner’s circle. Prior to the April win, he dropped 2 straight by 1^st round KO/TKO to Connor McGregor (7/19/15) and Dustin Poirier (12/28/13).

Katsunori Kikuno’s last win was on a card headlined by Roy Nelson. Last Sept. he submitted Sam Sicilia by RNC 1:38 of the second round. The 33 year old, holds 11 KO wins in his career, combined with Brandao’s 10 KO’s, the fists are sure to be flying Sat. night. Kikuno is coming off a first round KO loss to Edimilson Souza (3/21/15).

 

Just a Thought or Dozen On: Titan FC 35

 

Busy weekend of fighting, with no UFC event, UFC Fight Pass offered free fights to subscribers. More bang for your buck. This bang comes in the way of two championship fights in Titan FC. 

I love the name Peter Petties “The Joker”. The Lloyd Irvine student started the broadcast off with a first round KO 2:51 in the featherweight division.

That reminds me: Spinning back-fists are nearly as common as groin kicks in MMA lately.

Firas Zahabi’s voice makes me feel taken care of. GSP’s trainer did most of the color commentary for the broadcast.

Fast Referee stand ups throughout the night. It appeared that working in a position wasn’t allowed only advancement. I’m of the belief that if you’re not attacking from bottom and can’t get up, then you are going to lose. Stand ups are a bail out or the reset button too often.

Jason Knight’s BJJ was unreal. Armlock transition to Triangle, impressive submission at 3:06 of the second round.

Note to aspiring fighters: I love it when, fighters that live on the fringe of my awareness tattoo their last name across the shoulders. Reinforced memories. You tend to see the most of the winner’s back typically also, so it’s foolproof.

Steven Siler can choke you out with one hand tied behind his back. That’s why he is “Super”.

Who knew living your life according to a Pitbull lyric was a good idea? Filipe Efrain that’s who.

Reaffirming my belief in the power of positive speech, Tim Elliot called his shot. His prediction, a second round submission, was made into reality Saturday night.

Sometimes all the Referee stand ups won’t make a boring fight exciting. And Still… Andre Harrison.

Pat Healy is a hater. He fought like a warrior, only to keep Rick Hawn from his destiny the LW Champ. Healy missed weight. He lost the title and a chunk of his pay on the scale, but fought for bragging rights like the Bam Bam you know. There is something about when a champ misses weight that makes me want to bet the farm against him, though. Hawn won a close split decision.

Just a Thought or Dozen On: Bellator Dynamite

 

Surprise!!! Fedor signed with an organization that is not the UFC. It was announced he will headline a New Year’s Eve card. That was really all that was announced. “Opponent? Oh figure details out later. Just give this guy the mic he’s a natural.” I never wanted an announcement to end so much.

The most impressive outcome possible. Submitting Tito from the bottom? I don’t care how, when or where that is a solid win for McGeary.

Paul Daley sure has fought a lot of fights, in MMA and Kickboxing.

Take it easy, intro announcer. Fernando what? Half the time I have no idea what she is saying, the other half she’s rolling R’s.

Tournaments are tough.

Francis Carmont is no joke, despite Phil Davis’s dominance. 1 Sub 1 KO for Mr. Wonderful on the night. I can’t wait to see him compete for the title.

Just a Thought or Dozen On: WSOF 23

 

Chael Sonnen can do anything. His Caffeine level might have been spiked at the start of the show, but he settled in and gave intelligent, helpful commentary on an exciting night of fights. The Bad Guy has built a reputation as being a true pro on the mic as of late.

Don’t wear your special, gimmick mask after you’ve been KO’d in the first :32 of the fight. I get the T-shirt. Those sponsors paid to be on your shirt so put it on win or lose, but don’t give me your performance persona after getting dominated. Save the mask for the walk out unless you win.

First time I’ve ever seen a tap due to head scissor. Also, Phoenix Jones, worry about promoting your own name and not selling shirts with another guy’s name on them. It’s hard enough to get people to recognize one name. Move forward. Not that you asked for advice.

David Branch tore right through Teddy “Bear” Holder with a RNC 2:21 into the first round. Now Branch holds belts in both MW and LHW divisions for WSOF. That sounds like a ton of pressure.

Holy backflip. If MMA doesn’t work out for Justin Gathje he could be a higher flyer on the pro wrestling circuits, but something tells me the LW Champ is fine where he’s at, especially after such a thrilling win over Luis Palomino.

Breaking Down Bellator 142-Dynamite

 

This just may be the homerun event that Bellator MMA President Scott Coker is looking for. We’ve got kickboxing fights, MMA fights, the card boasts 15 fights in all, don’t forget a 4 man one night LHW tournament, and oh yeah, a Light Heavyweight Championship fight featuring The Huntington Beach Bad Boy. Bellator has got both guns blazing for this event. Arguably, the most recognizable names in the organization right now come from LHW division and this event matches up the promotions most recognizable, from that division.

Tito Ortiz has blamed numerous injuries from holding him back from a true Title run, and now at 40 years old, claims to be feeling much better. The Huntington Beach Bad Boy is coming off back to back wins over former Middleweight Champ, Alexander Shlemenko (arm triangle first round in May 2014) and Stephan Bonnar (by SD Nov 15, 2015). This is Tito’s first win streak since 2006 way back when he beat Ken Shamrock in back to back first round TKO stoppages. Following that he went 1-7-1 before leaving the UFC. That one win was over Ryan Bader with a first round guillotine submission.  

Liam McGeary is undefeated at 10-0 with 9 finishes 5 KO’s, 4 Subs. The 6’6” fighter’s biggest name opponent, Emanuel Newton, is the only man to drag it to a decision. Now sporting the LHW strap he liberated from Newton, McGeary looks to defend the title against one of the sport’s savviest of veterans.

The four man tournament: After acquiring Phil Davis from the free agent market the MMA world wondered how soon would we see Mr. Wonderful fight for the Bellator Title? Question answered. First we see Phil Davis take on Former Champ Emanuel Newton. Then the winner of that bout takes on the winner of the King Mo vs Linton Vassell fight. That is if everything goes off without injury to winners or medical suspensions of course. With the title fight as the main event, the LHW division picture should be windex clear following the night’s conclusion.

Emanuel Newton is 25-8-1 was undefeated in Bellator prior to losing the title; he racked up 7 wins with 2 KO’s and 2 Subs. The Hardcore Kid is also 3-0 over the tournament’s other competitors. He has finished both Vassell and King Mo and holds a second UD win over Lawal.

Phil Davis is 13-3-1 with 4 Subs and 2 KO’s. Two of those submission wins were vs top ranked opponents, Alexander Gustafsson (UFC 112 4/10/10 Anaconda choke) and Tim Boetsch (UFC 123 11/20/10 Kimura) under the UFC banner. He also holds UD wins over both Glover Teixeira and Lyoto Machida. His last fight ended in a split decision loss to Ryan Bader. Mr. Wonderful’s world class resume brings a much needed measuring stick to the Bellator LHW division.

Muhammed Lawal is 15-4-1 with 11 KO’s takes on Linton Vassell in the other first round of the tournament. King Mo is on a 3 fight win streak with 2 TKO’s and a SD win over HW Cheick Congo in Feb. The 34 yr. old’s first fight was against Journeyman Travis Wiuff. Wiuff was riding a 9 fight win streak and had over 60 fights to his credit at the point that the rookie, King Mo TKO’d him in the second round back in 08. Lawal’s powerful hands are still dangerous and collecting victims.

Linton Vassell is 15-4 and 10-1 since 2010. The only loss, Emanuel Newton at Bellator 130 by way of RNC in the 5^th round. The Swarm bounced back in February with a TKO win over Sokoudjou ( Rd 2, 3:18). The winner of this first fight also gets a shot at redemption by either avenging a loss or beating the man that beat the man that beat them. Follow that?

There are many more fights to check out also. Glory fighters are going to fight in a ring near the cage I guess. The event will be interesting to say the least. I choose to remain open-minded to the new experience.

UFC 191 Main Card Breakdown

Breaking Down UFC 191 Fight Card

 

            The main event rematches, what many believe to be, Demetrious Johnson’s toughest flyweight title defense thus far.  Challenger, John Dodson knocked the champ down numerous times in their first fight, but the judges felt Johnson outworked “The Magician” and awarded “Mighty Mouse” Johnson with the Unanimous Decision.     

            Since beating Dodson the champ has finished four of his last five opponents: 3 submissions and a first round KO of Joseph Benavidez (2:08). In April the champ submitted Kyoji Horiguchi with only one second remaining in the twenty-five minute bout. “Mighty Mouse” is on a roll coming into the fight and looking to quite his critics with a convincing win over the hard-hitting Dodson.

            The 30 year old Dodson’s only UFC loss is at the hands of the champ. “The Magician” holds 2 submission and 8 KO/TKO wins and is on a 3 fight win streak since his loss to Johnson. Dodson holds a win over current Bantamweight Champion, T.J. Dillashaw. The athletic Dodson TKO’d Dillashaw to win TUF 14 Finale (12/3/11) and was crowned that season’s Bantamweight Ultimate Fighter.

            The co-main event features two former Heavyweight Champions: Frank Mir vs Andrei Arlovski. Mir, who made his UFC debut way back at UFC 34 (11/02/01), is coming off back to back first round KO wins. Making quick work of Todd Duffee with a stoppage at 1:13 (UFC Fight Night 71 in July) and Antonio Silva at 1:40 back in February. In addition to power striking, Mir also holds 9 submission wins in his career.

            The 6’4” Arlovski is also fresh off two first round stoppages: in May “The Pit Bull” traded heavy strikes with Travis Browne, before earning a TKO stoppage at 4:41; last September he KO’d Antonio Silva at 2;59. Arlovski is on a 5 fight win streak and has a win over current Heavyweight Champ Fabricio Werdum back at UFC 70 (4/21/07).

            In Light Heavyweight action Anthony Johnson takes on Jimi Manuwa. Manuwa is 15-1 and earned a unanimous decision win over Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night 64 (4/11/15). “Poster Boy’s” only loss was at the hands of, mutual opponent, Alexander Gustafson by TKO in the second round (UFC Fight Night 37. 3/8/14).

            Johnson faired far better against Gustafson by handing him a first round TKO at UFC on Fox 14 (1/24/15). Rumble is coming off a loss to Daniel Cormier for the vacant LHW title in May. Prior to the loss Johnson was on a 9 fight win streak with 6 KO/TKO finishes.

            Another LHW bout matches up contenders: Jan Blachowicz vs Corey Anderson. Blachowicz made his UFC debut with a TKO win over Ilir Latifi at 1:58 0f round 1 at UFC Fight Night 53 (10/4/14). The 32 year old Polish fighter is 18-4 with wins over Houston Alexander and Sokoudjou to name a couple.

            Anderson was issued his first loss by Gian Villante, TKO at 4:18 of the third round in April; he did earn a Fight of the Night Bonus, however. Anderson won TUF 19 via TKO in 1:01 round 1 (7/6/14).

            The first fight on the main card is in the Women’s Strawweight division (115lbs) and matches Alex Chambers and Paige Vanzant.  The 36 year old Chambers, from St. Ives, New So Wales Australia is fresh from an arm bar victory at UFC Fight Night 65 (5/10/15). “Astro Girl” lost her UFC debut by the same outcome to Aisling Daly (12/12/14).

            Vanzant’s last fight was a UD over Felice Herrig at UFC on Fox 15 in April and beat Kailin Curran by TKO in the 3^rd round (11/22/14)in her UFC debut. The Team Alpha Male fighter’s only loss was to Tecia Torres at Invicta FC4 (1/5/13).

            Don’t forget to check out the preliminary fights on Fox Sports 1 at 8:00pm ET with prefight coverage scheduled to begin at 7:00.